Paula Gilles Fischer

Paula Gilles Fischer, age 86, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born in 1939 in Owensboro, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Columbus Grant, Sr. and Anna Louise Grant; her sisters, Alice Grant and Sarah Grant; her brothers, Johnny Grant and Keith Grant; and her first husband of 40 years, Commander John Michael Gilles, Sr., United States Navy, Retired.

Paula is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Earl Fischer of Gallatin, TN; her sisters, Eleanor Grant of Owensboro, KY, and Ginger Grant of CA; and her children, John Michael Gilles, Jr. of Franklin, TN; David Grant Gilles (Susie) of Nashville, TN; Ann Gilles Frantz (Jack) of Franklin, TN; and Sally Gilles Higgs (Kirk) of Franklin, TN.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer Lampley; Jarod Gilles (Stephanie); John Gilles III; Josh Gilles; Jessica Gilles (Kelly); Katie Mullinix (Matt); Emily Gilles (Jay); Margaret Gilles; Joe Frantz (Liz); Aubrey Frantz Mattis (John Price); Ellen Higgs; and Martha Higgs (Walker); as well as 12 great-grandchildren.

Paula had a long and distinguished career in public service. She worked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee throughout the 1980s until her retirement. In 1993, she came out of retirement to serve as Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Aleta A. Trauger in both the United States District Court and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, roles in which she served with dedication and integrity until her second retirement in 2003.

In her younger years, Paula was a devoted Navy wife and mother. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed walking, painting, sewing, and smocking.

Paula’s family extends their deepest appreciation and love to Jamie Douglas, her devoted caregiver, and to the other caregivers at Griswold Home Care for their compassion and support.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 535 Sneed Road, Franklin, TN 37069, immediately followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place afterward at the Veterans Cemetery on McCrory Lane in Nashville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Springboard Landings, 179 Belle Forest Circle, Suite 301, Nashville, TN 37221, or online at www.springboardlandings.org. Springboard Landings is a soon-to-be 24-unit residence in the Bellevue neighborhood of Nashville, providing affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities.

Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home, and Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements.